According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 3.5 billion people today suffer from oral diseases. Sadly, only a small percentage of them seek treatment. That is because oral health condition treatment is relatively expensive and it’s not even included in the Universal Health Coverage.
Untreated oral health conditions can affect your general well-being, and therefore it is essential to invest in quality treatment. There are a variety of oral treatments, including cosmetic dentistry.
Although cosmetic dentistry sounds superficial to some, it comes with significant benefits and involves various dental procedures. Read on to discover the five most popular cosmetic dental procedures at a Leawood dentist.
1. Veneers
Veneers can be used to treat spaces between teeth, broken or chipped tooth structure, and crooked or misshapen teeth. They are thin shells of ceramic that create a perfect bond with your teeth’s front surfaces.
Veneers are quite popular due to their versatility and simplicity and last approximately ten years with the proper care and maintenance.
2. Dentures
Dentures are an affordable and accessible tooth replacement option for many people. This is the most common treatment for missing teeth and usually consists of a set of artificial teeth attached to a pink plastic base designed to look like gum tissue.
Dentures may be the best option if you’re missing most of your teeth. They are removable appliances that can be taken out and cleaned daily. Besides, they can be complete or partial, depending on how many teeth you’ve lost.
3. Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-moulded aligners that gradually move teeth into proper alignment. The aligners are removable when you need to eat, brush, or floss your teeth, so you don’t have to worry about food getting stuck in them.
For best results, experts recommend people wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours each day. Note that Invisalign treatment usually takes less time than traditional braces, but it is more expensive.
4. Crown
A crown covers or “caps” an impaired tooth entirely. Apart from strengthening an impaired tooth, a crown also improves its alignment, shape, or alignment.
Ceramic or porcelain crowns are preferred because they are relatively strong, but materials such as acrylic, gold, and metal are also used.
5. Bridges
A bridge can be used to replace missing teeth. When you lose a tooth, the gap where the lost tooth was placed may trigger the remaining teeth to shift or rotate into space. Such a scenario may result in a bad bide.
Missing teeth also causes an imbalance that can, in turn, lead to TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) disorders and gum disease disorders.
Which is the Best Cosmetic Dental Procedure for Me?
Numerous cosmetic dentistry procedures depend on your specific needs. But whether you’re looking to enhance your smile or simply fix a cosmetic issue, it’s essential to know what to expect from the entire process. Therefore, reaching out to a cosmetic dentist near you for a consultation is a great starting point.
